What Are the Top Reasons to Carry a Pocket Knife for Camping?

The pocket knife is one of the most useful items to bring when camping—it can be used for feeding, chopping wood, repairing gear, and emergency situations, all in one convenient package. A sturdy folding-bladed knife is a must have in your pack, whether you're in the backcountry or at a drive-in campsite.

Those who don't bring this tool with them find that they have to use the tool that they have, whether it's a car key, a multitool without the correct attachment, or none at all. We'll explain exactly why a pocket knife for camping should always be a part of your camping gear, how to keep it sharp, the common pitfalls when sharpening a pocket knife, as well as what to look for when you're purchasing the best pocket knife for your next camping trip.

10 Reasons Every Camper Should Carry a Pocket Knife

1. Food preparation — Slicing vegetables, cutting rope for a bear bag, opening packaging of food is quicker and sanitary with a sharp, dedicated blade.
2. Fire starting — Shaving dry wood to create tinder or notching kindling will help make a campfire easier to start when wet.
3. Rope and cordage cutting — Any rope or cordage cutting job requires clean cuts, including guy lines, paracord and tarp cord, particularly when quickly setting up or breaking down camp.
4. First aid situations — Cutting the bandages, moleskin, or clothing away from a wound may be necessary before treatment can be rendered.
5. Gear repair — A frayed strap, a damaged zip pull or a tent pole cord can be easily repaired in the field using a small blade.
6. Whittling and camp crafts — Carving tent stakes, roasting sticks, or making triggers for a trap, is one of the classic bushcraft skills and it all begins with a good knife.
7. Opening supplies — Cans, boxes and vacuum-sealed bags can be opened much more easily and safely with a blade than by hand. 
8. Emergency preparedness — From cutting seatbelts to freeing tangled fishing line, a knife for outdoor emergencies is core gear for any trip.
9. Compact and lightweight — Folding pocket knives are not as cumbersome as a hatchet or fixed-blade survival knife; they add very little weight or bulk to your pack. 
10. Multi-use reliability — A single well-made blade can replace several bulkier tools, which matters when every ounce in your pack counts.

The RidgeBlade folding pocket knife is designed for people who want a folding knife that fits exactly their needs, with a locking blade, textured grip and compact profile for use in a wide range of tasks at camp from food preparation to building a fire. 

Camping Task vs. Recommended Knife Feature

How to Choose the Right Pocket Knife for Camping

Not all pocket knives are meant for outdoor purposes. The three key points to consider when comparing options are: Grip handle, blade material, and locking mechanism. The stainless steel blades are rust-resistant in humid situations and when camping in wet weather, a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental folding during use, and a textured hand plate to stop the knife slipping in wet or gloved hands.

Size matters too. A sharp 3-3.5" blade is the sweet spot for most camp tasks, long enough to process wood and still suitable for being legal and pocket-worthy in most areas. Weight also comes into consideration for backpackers, as every gram of the pack is valuable for longer trips. These are more important than just the brand name or price in choosing the best knife for camping.

How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife the Right Way

A dull blade is actually more dangerous than a sharp one, because it doesn't cut clean, and it requires more pressure to work with it than is needed for a sharp blade. One of the easiest things you can do to make a big difference at camp is to make sure your knife is sharp. The following steps work at home or in the field. 

• Choose your sharpening tool. At home, you have the most control with a whetstone, and when on the go, you can use a compact ceramic rod or pocket sharpener. 
• Set the correct angle. The ideal angle for sharpening a folding knife is 15-20 degrees per side. Keep the blade always at this angle. 
• Start with the coarse side. Using a two-sided whetstone, start by using the coarser side to re-sharpen the edge, particularly if the edge is nicked or dull. 
• Draw the blade across the stone. Pull the blade from base to tip in a smooth, sweeping motion, as if you're trying to shave a thin layer off the stone. Repeat 8-10 times on each side. 
• Change to the fine grit. When the edge begins to feel sharper, go to the finer side of the stone to polish and refine the edge. 
• Check for a burr. With a finger carefully (away from the edge) trace the other side of the blade. You've sharpened enough if there is a slight burr. 
• Flip and repeat. With the same number of strokes and angle, sharpen the other side of the blade to maintain a symmetrical edge. 
• Strop the blade. Slide the blade against leather strop or cardboard to take a burr, and polish the edge. 
• Test the sharpness. Experiment by cutting into paper or cardboard. Sharp blades should not rip or snag. 
• Wipe and oil the blade. Sharpen and then put a light film of oil on the blade, particularly the stainless steel blades, to prevent corrosion. 

Common Mistakes People Make When Sharpening a Pocket Knife

Even experienced campers make sharpening mistakes that shorten the life of a blade or leave it duller than before. Here are the most common ones to avoid.

What Makes the RidgeBlade Stand Out for Camping

If you're looking at different options for the best pocket knife to include in your camp pack, take a look at the RidgeBlade. What makes it unique: 

1. Durable, rust-resistant blade — will not corrode in humid camp environments, even after repeated use on rope, wood and food preparation. 
2. Secure locking mechanism — Locks securely when in use and opens up safely when not in use, minimizing the chance of being accidentally closed. 
3. Textured, ergonomic grip — An ergonomic grip with texture for added stability in wet, cold or gloved hands, which is especially important when you need control. 
4. Compact, travel-friendly size — light enough for backpacking and small enough to carry around everyday without any bulk. 
5. Easy to maintain — The simple edge geometry makes it easy to maintain with the simple steps described above without the need for specialty tools. 

When it comes to practical recommendations for campers looking for a reliable knife for outdoor trips, Wild Soul Brand's products like the RidgeBlade are always chosen for how they're designed to be used in the wild.

Folding Knife vs. Other Camp Cutting Tools

Folding knives like the RidgeBlade accomplish most of the camp work in a day without the bulk of a fixed-blade or hatchet so they are the most versatile main tool for most trips — except for when you're splitting larger firewood. 

Closing Thoughts

With a sharp and well-maintained edge, a pocket knife is one of the most utilized tools on any camping trip, from getting a fire started to repairing gear to emergencies. The blade material, locking mechanism, and grip of the RidgeBlade folding pocket knife from Wild Soul Brand are built for camping conditions that require them so it's a solid choice for the best knife for camping or just a reliable everyday pocket knife for the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Pocket Knives

1. Would a pocket knife be needed for camp?
Yes, it is one of the most versatile tools for repairing, fire lighting and food preparation. It is considered to be a must-have by most experienced campers.

2. Which is the best pocket knife to carry in camp?
Most camp tasks will involve a 3 to 3.5 blade. It's big enough to be useful, but small enough to be used in just about any location, provided it's legal.

3. What kind of blade is best for the outdoors?
The most preferred material for camping is stainless steel because it does not rust or corrode in humid or wet environments. Carbon steel lasts longer, but requires more upkeep.

4. Using a pocket knife, can they make fire?
Yes, it can do this, and make the wood catch fire faster in wet conditions by notching kindling. 

5. Does the camp knife require a blade to be locked?   
Yes, the blade does not fold back while in use, which is also a great safety feature for an outdoor application.

6. What is the difference between a pocket knife and a multi-tool?   
A pocket knife is a knife with a fine, sharp edge that can be cut and a multitool may have other features such as pliers or screwdrivers but will not be as sharp. 

7. Do I need a fixed-blade knife rather than a folding knife?
Not usually. A folding knife will come in handy for most camp chores and a fixed blade should be used only for heavy cutting or batoning firewood.

8. What should I do to prevent the rusting of my pocket knife outside?   
Oil the blade occasionally, especially if it is stainless steel and is exposed to moisture - clean the blade with a dry cloth.

9. At what angle should a camp knife be sharpened?
The typical folding knife can be sharpened at 15-20 degrees per side. It is more important to maintain the same angle than the exact number.

10. Is a pocket knife allowed at camp?
Folding knives with blades less than 3 inches long are allowed for most camp and outdoor use, unless local rules and regulations prohibit it.

11. Which type of grip does the best job on wet surfaces?  
There are ones with rubber or textured handles which provide better grip when outside in cold, wet or gloved hands.

12. Can a pocket knife be used as a first aid item at camp?
Yes, it can quickly remove bandages, tape or clothing from an injury which can be beneficial when it will need treatment.

13. When do I need to sharpen my camping knife?
It will depend on how often it is used, but can be lightly sharpened before each use and thoroughly sharpened every few months and the edge will be good.

14. How would you open a knife with your left hand?
Quick one-hand opening with a thumb stud or flipper tab works great when your other hand is busy while at camp.

15. Is the price of a beginner's expensive camping knife worth it?
Not necessarily. A good, well-made folding knife, with a good lock and steel, will cover most basic camping requirements without breaking the bank for the beginner.

16. Can a pocket knife be used for firewood, instead of a hatchet?
No, a pocket knife won't help with splitting large logs, it will help with small wood and kindling, you will need a hatchet or saw.

17. What is the biggest mistake made by people when sharpening a knife?
The most common problem is using an inconsistent angle, which causes the edge to be uneven and to dull over time and is more difficult to maintain.

18. When can my knife be sharp enough?
Do this on a sheet of paper or cardboard. The blade should cut the material without ripping or snagging.

19. Which is warmer, a serrated or plain edge for camping?
A plain edge is better suited for food preparation and small jobs, and serrated edges are more suitable for cutting fibrous material or rope. Many campers like an edge that's mostly plain.

20. What are the key features of the first camping knife you will buy?
Choose blade materials, a secure locking mechanism, an ergonomic handle and an appropriate size for everyday carrying and common camp uses.